The HR function is under unprecedented pressure to innovate and transform the way they deliver value amidst digital disruption of businesses. Industry event agendas these days are replete with buzzwords such as ‘digital HR’, ‘future-proofing HR’ and ‘HR innovation’. The multitudes of perspectives often lead to more confusion than clarity, for innovation requires fundamental shifts in culture and leadership styles. Successful HR transformation requires HR leaders to work with ambiguity and manage the polarities. ‘Smoke-and-mirrors’ refers to how HR leaders often end up feeling overwhelmed, disempowered and apathetic at the end of commonplace talks on innovation. The keynote session will uncover the behavioral shifts that underpin a journey of innovation, provide real examples of HR Innovation Paradoxes, and how HR Leaders can draw on these insights in the context of their own organizations.

17:40–20:30Cocktails and Networking

THURSDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER

08:30–09:00Refreshments

09:00–09:05Welcome to Day Two

09:05–09:50Keynote Speech: Disrupting from Within: a Large Multinational's Quest for Sustainable Growth

Borrowing the title of the Harvard Business Review case study coauthored by our keynote speaker last year, this keynote session will begin with shining a light on some of the tectonic shifts underway in Asia, and how these changes are likely to impact how we do business in this part of the world. The session will then focus on a model for fostering a culture of innovation within large complex organizations, and the role of HR as change leaders.

Guo Guang NgProduct Manager, OCBC Bank

Li Xuan PuahSupply Chain Coordinator, Shell

Shiau Fei LeeHead, Group Human Resources, Mapletree

10:50–11:20Networking Break

Dr. Julie YooChief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder, pymetrics

Sean TanPrincipal, Consulting Services, Mercer

12:05–12:20Fast Focus: Women in the Workforce, Are We Making Progress or Are We Just Making Noise?

The World Economic Forum believes it will take another 116 years - or until 2133 - until the global pay gap between men and women is finally closed. Mercer's When Women Thrive study projects and underwhelming trajectory in increasing senior women in the workforce in Asia. It's clear that we can't keep on doing the same thing and expect a different outcome.

What are some of the disruptive solutions organizations can apply to advance women in the workforce? What new technology can companies use to improve pay equity? What analytics can help to close the gap between talk and action?

About Mercer

Mercer is a global consulting leader in talent, health, retirement, and investments. Mercer helps clients around the world advance the health, wealth, and performance of their most vital asset – their people.

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